News from Councillors David Boothroyd, Adam Hug and Papya Qureshi, your three Westbourne Labour Councillors
Dear Resident,
We are living in very difficult times and, along with Karen Buck MP, we are doing all we can to help the local community and individual residents and their families.
You can read our latest news on http://labourwestminster.org.uk
Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.
Please feel free to pass this report on to any of your neighbours who may be interested.
Brunel Estate
We have been working with residents to ensure that parking enforcement, previously delayed due to troubling incidents of anti-social behaviour towards the wardens, can now take place with police support. We are working with the Council and police to improve the number of warden visits. We have also helped make sure that the Council is reallocating the parking bays on the estate to residents, as some have been on the waiting list for many years.
Leamington Road Villas
We have been helping Notting Hill Genesis Residents on Leamington Road Villas with tackling ongoing problems with mouse infestation.
Westmead
We have submitted our comments on the planning consultation about the redevelopment of the Westmead site, asking the Planning committee to address residents’ concerns around parking impact, light, tree loss and underwhelming levels of affordable housing.
Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Vincent De Paul
The Catholic Church on the corner of Harrow Road and Woodfield Place has received a new grant from Sadiq Khan’s ‘Grow Back Greener’ Fund to transform the concrete area outside the church to make it greener and more attractive. We continue to work with the church and the council’s ASB team to address current issues with anti-social behaviour.
Woodfield Road litter
We’ve been contacted by a new resident who is concerned about litter on Woodfield Road, and have taken it up with Westminster Council’s neighbourhoods team.
Charfield Court fire
Thankfully the fire on Clearwell Drive, outside Charfield Court, did no serious damage. After we asked, the Council’s housing team said it was arranging to repaint and clean up the area – but the work was delayed because they were claiming the cost back on the council’s insurance.
Amberley Road and Ark Atwood school
We have been working with the Council’s digital team to try and tackle the poor internet provision on Amberley Road a ‘not-spot’ with very low download speed. Progress is slow and complex but there is some hope for progress in the medium term. We have also been working with the leadership of Ark Atwood school to try and find ways to give them access to additional temporary facilities given the lack of space on the school site that is being amplified by the pressures of Covid.
Alfred Road playground – resident views needed
The Council will shortly be launching a local consultation about what they should look to improve the playground behind Westminster Academy. Ahead of this formal consultation please do let your local councillors know your views about what you would like to see happen.
Network Homes on Alfred Road
We are continuing to work with residents at Langley House and Brindley House to push Network Homes to make sure roof and other repair works are correctly finished and inspected and further action is on addressing the long-standing rat problems. We are attempting to encourage the Canal and Rivers Trust to participate in helping Network and Westminster Council to tackle the pest problem.
Canal and River Trust – survey on increasing number of boaters
The Canal and River Trust are running a survey about better managing their canals. It asks questions including:
- What would the impact be on you if boat numbers in already busy areas continue to grow significantly?
- What would you want the Trust to do to manage boat numbers in busy areas?
- How could you help contribute to managing boat numbers in busy areas?
Have your say here: https://wh.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=160260143288
Safer Neighbourhood ward panel survey
The Westbourne Safer Neighbourhood ward panel has been running a survey to help inform local policing prioirities. Have your say about what they should be here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DB36H5
Westbourne Green
During the most recent lockdown we have continued to support residents trying to get a response from the council and police about people breaking through the fencing and using the facilities despite the regulations. The response so far has not been up to standard and we will continue to try to push the Council to have a better response in the event of future restrictions (though we all hope such restrictions can be avoided.
Gaydon House
We have raised residents’ concerns that have led to housing repainting the outdoor bike racks that had previously been in poor condition.
Lapworth Court
We are continuing to work with residents and housing officers to ensure security improvements, particularly a new security gate, are made high priority.
Lord Hills Bridge
Picking up on resident concern about the amount of rubbish on Lord Hills Bridge, wehave got the Council to agree to trialling a new rubbish bin to see if it helps to improve the situation.
Support for local people
If you or someone you know is need of assistance during Covid the council is still running a version of its Westminster Connects support service. See information here: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-connects
North Paddington Foodbank
The North Paddington Foodbank has been such a huge help to local people during the crisis. Please consider making a donation here:
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation-web/charity?charityId=1015159&stop_mobi=yes
Development in north Paddington
Are you interested in how the local area develops over the next few decades? Think you have something to offer to guide Westminster Council and developers on what to do? A group of residents lead by Vonley Joseph are trying to revive the North Paddington Society. If you want to be involved, contact us and we’ll pass on your details.
Warm Homes Discount Scheme
You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2020 to 2021 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The Warm Home Discount Scheme for winter 2020 to 2021 will open on 12 October 2020. The money is a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between September and March. See here for more details https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Jobs and Skills
Microsoft and LinkedIn have produced a free programme to help those looking for a job and learn new skills
‘Early Voting’ – Voting by post
Voting by post is an easy and convenient way of voting. Millions of people in the USA used a postal vote to vote early. You can do it, too. You can use this form to apply to vote by post
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/sites/default/files/postal-vote-application-form.pdf
You can email your completed form to electoralservices@westminster.gov.uk or post it to Electoral Services, Westminster City Council, 14th Floor City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP.
Please let us know if we can ever be of help or assistance.
Wishing you Season’s Greetings and all the very best for the New Year.
Yours sincerely
Councillors David Boothroyd, Adam Hug and Papya Qureshi
Your three Westbourne Ward Labour Councillors
You contact Adam, Papya and David by email or telephone.